The Microsoft 365 Renewal Scam

The Microsoft 365 Renewal Scam is yet another phishing operation, based on a renewal or subscription you never agreed to: This email is 100% fiction and fake. There is no purchase or charge. This didn’t come from Microsoft. If you get this message: How to tell it’s a phishing scam? Well, not all are easy … Read more

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988

Starting July 16, 2022, there is a new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988. This number will work across the entire USA. The old number, 1-800-273-8255, will also still connect to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Please read more about how the Lifeline can provide free and confidential support, and check out their … Read more

The RV Giveaway Scam

No, you are not going to win a free RV! But when you see posts about this on social media, they are so tempting. Companies with names like Camping & RV World boast about “unclaimed RVs” that they have to give away for free, and the included photos show some beautiful vehicles. But this is … Read more

Scanning Without a Scanner

Not everyone owns a scanner. And sometimes, the scanner you have becomes difficult or impossible to use (I’m looking at you, HP). If you’re called upon to scan an important document or photo, you do not need a working scanner. You can create a great-looking scan with your smartphone or tablet. Free PDF Scanning Apps … Read more

Windows 11 in S Mode

note to readers: this is a reboot/rewrite of the Windows 10 S Mode post from last year Windows 11 comes in various editions: Home, Pro, Education, Enterprise and S mode. And that last one gives many people pause. Just what is S mode? What does the S stand for? Simple, Secure, Strict, Stunted? Microsoft is … Read more

Refund & Recovery Scams

Refund & Recovery scams are carried out by the worst of the worst. These guys prey on people who have already been scammed. Their claim is that they’ll help you recover what was stolen from you. But they’re just going to steal more money out of your pockets. Scammers maintain lists of their potential and … Read more

McBroken

Someone actually devised this little website, called McBroken, to show on a map which McDonald’s restaurants have functioning ice cream machines. And which ones have out-of-service machines. How ingenious! This tool came about because of the high frequency of breakdowns with Mickey D’s ice cream machines. And there’s a whole story and debacle to read … Read more

Don’t Post Facebook Privacy Notices

Don’t post “Facebook Privacy Notices”, as shown below. These things are like chain letters, in that they waste your time and spread misinformation. Unfortunately, these things have been passed around for over a decade and never seem to die: If you see anything like this on social media, don’t re-post it or Share it. It … Read more